On September 22, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games. The meeting took place at the West Lake State Guesthouse in Hangzhou.
President Xi Jinping emphasized the deep-rooted and historical friendship between China and Kuwait. He noted that Kuwait holds the distinction of being the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and the first Middle Eastern nation to sign Belt and Road cooperation agreements with China.
Diplomatic ties
Over the past 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties and particularly in the last five years since the inception of the strategic partnership between the two nations, Kuwait-China relations have advanced significantly, leading to fruitful cooperation in various domains. President Xi expressed China’s commitment to further enhancing China-Kuwait relations.
President Xi Jinping underscored China’s support for Kuwait in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also emphasized China’s adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, a crucial principle for developing nations. China commended Kuwait’s active participation in Belt and Road cooperation and offered support for Kuwait’s implementation of “Kuwait Vision 2035,” also known as “New Kuwait.”
Strengthening synergy
President Xi proposed strengthening synergy in development strategies, intensifying cooperation in areas such as investment, energy, infrastructure, environmental governance, and the digital economy, deepening collaboration in law enforcement security and counter-terrorism efforts, and fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
President Xi expressed his hope for continued Kuwaiti support for China’s rural revitalization strategy and for providing a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory market environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Kuwait. He also suggested that both countries should work towards implementing the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, elevate collective cooperation between China and Arab states and the Gulf Cooperation Council, enhance communication and cooperation on multilateral platforms including the United Nations, and safeguard the common interests of developing nations.
Productive bilateral cooperation
Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah conveyed his congratulations to the friendly Chinese people on the upcoming 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He also expressed Kuwait’s deep pride in Kuwait-China relations and satisfaction with the productive outcomes of bilateral cooperation.
Kuwait also voiced strong support for President Xi Jinping’s initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, all of which aim to promote global peace and progress.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity
Kuwait appreciated China’s support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and affirmed its commitment to the one-China policy while supporting China’s stance on issues related to its core interests. Kuwait pledged to collaborate with China in deepening practical cooperation across various sectors and enhancing communication and cooperation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Following the meeting, the leaders of both countries witnessed the signing of the Joint Statement on the Five-Year (2024-2028) Cooperation Plan between the People’s Republic of China and the State of Kuwait, as well as multiple bilateral cooperation agreements in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure construction, and environmental governance.
